Best classless character progression systems

Explore the most dynamic classless character progression systems, where skill-based customization and character evolution are key. Discover role-playing games that empower players to define their avatars through skill trees, equipment, and unique choices, rather than being confined to a predefined class. This selection highlights innovative approaches that offer unparalleled freedom in character building for a deeper gaming experience. Prepare to immerse yourself in worlds where every decision shapes your hero's destiny.

483100% verified
  1. 1

    The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

    242 Global Votes
    • Character progression is completely freeform

      (+4)

    Skyrim is a benchmark for its use-based skill system, where every action contributes to character development. This freedom allows players to create any type of hero without the limitations of traditional classes.

  2. 2

    RuneQuest: Roleplaying in Glorantha

    127 Global Votes
    • Classless game system

      (+4)

    RuneQuest is a classic system that exemplifies classless progression through percentile skills that improve with use. It allows for deep immersion in the world of Glorantha with organic character development.

  3. 3

    Cyberpunk 2077 (Update 2.0 and Phantom Liberty)

    55 Global Votes
    • Redesigned perks and skill trees for freedom and flexibility

      (+4)

    After its significant updates, Cyberpunk 2077 has evolved to offer a robust and flexible progression system. It allows deep customization through perk trees and cyberware upgrades, without rigid classes.

  4. 4

    Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)

    35 Global Votes
    • Classless system allowing desired character crafting

      (+3)

    Savage Worlds is a generic, classless rule system, adaptable to almost any genre. Characters are defined by attributes, skills, and Edges/Hindrances, offering open and adaptable progression.

  5. 5

    Divinity: Original Sin 2

    15 Global Votes
    • Uses a classless system

      (+3)

    This CRPG is acclaimed for its flexibility in character building, allowing players to combine skills from various schools without class restrictions. Its system encourages experimentation and unique synergies.

  6. All the rankings you can imagine

    Thousands of verified votes to discover the best. Your vote here counts

  7. 6

    Ars Magica (Fifth Edition)

    6 Global Votes
    • Classless and level-less system

      (+4)

    Ars Magica is known for its deep magic system and its focus on the long-term progression of mages. Although it has roles, these do not limit skills, allowing great freedom in magical specialization.

  8. 7

    Mythras

    2 Global Votes
    • Offers a similar progression system to other games

      (+4)

    Mythras is an explicitly classless tabletop role-playing system, based on percentile skills that improve with use and experience. It offers great depth in character customization.

  9. 8

    Wyldheart

    1 Global Votes
    • Offers a classless progression system

      (+4)

    Wyldheart is an upcoming cooperative RPG that promises exceptional freedom in character building, without classic classes. Its focus on combining skills to adapt to combat style makes it a promising candidate.

  10. 9

    Kenshi (2018)

    0 Global Votes
    • Progression exists at individual and party levels

      (+4)

    Kenshi is a cult game known for its unparalleled freedom and brutal open world, where character progression is purely organic. Skills improve as they are used, without predefined classes or levels.

  11. 10

    Tyranny

    0 Global Votes
    • Characters develop organically

      (+4)

    Tyranny stands out for its use-based skill progression system, which aligns with its deep moral choices. It allows players to flexibly shape their characters through practice and point investment.

  12. 11

    Colony Ship: A Post-Earth Role Playing Game

    0 Global Votes
    • Classless improve-by-using system

      (+4)

    This turn-based tactical RPG offers a use-based skill system that rewards specialization and experimentation. It allows players to granularly shape their characters to adapt to challenges.

  13. 12

    Jagged Alliance 3

    0 Global Votes
    • Features a classless RPG progression system

      (+4)

    Although it's a tactical RPG, Jagged Alliance 3 incorporates a use-based skill progression system for its mercenaries. This allows combat and other skills to improve with practice on the battlefield.

  14. 13

    Soulbound

    0 Global Votes
    • Slowly levels up with a character

      (+4)

    Soulbound stands out for its focus on use-based progression, where 14 unique skills level up as they are practiced. This allows players to dynamically define their own role, without relying on fixed classes.

  15. 14

    Sword of Cepheus

    0 Global Votes
    • Features a 2d6 skill system

      (+4)

    Based on the Cepheus Engine system, Sword of Cepheus is a sword and sorcery fantasy role-playing game that is explicitly classless. It focuses on a skill system that characters develop through experience.

  16. 15

    Traveller (2nd Edition by Mongoose Publishing)

    0 Global Votes
    • Streamlined version of 1st edition rules

      (+4)

    Traveller is a classic classless science fiction role-playing game, iconic for its life-path character creation system. Skills are acquired and improved through a 'career' and experience.